Troopers target reducing fatalities

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Beginning Friday and through midnight on Sunday, Texas Highway Patrol troopers will be out in full force looking for people who are driving drunk, speeding or not wearing safety belts during the Fourth of July weekend.

Highway Patrol Chief David Baker said Texans can avoid jail by driving sober or designating a sober driver before the drinking begins. Baker also reminded people to ensure passenger safety by making sure everyone is secured by seat belts. Children need to be in car seats or booster seats.

During the 2008 Fourth of July weekend, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers made 772 driving while intoxicated arrests, issued 12,918 speeding citations, 3,026 tickets for safety belt violations and 434 child safety seat violations.

Troopers are participating in Operation CARE , which stands for combined accident reduction effort. The nationwide campaign by state police agencies targets reducing fatalities during holidays.

Troopers are also participating in Operation Holiday, a statewide effort by law enforcement to reduce fatalities during holiday weekends.

Here are some travel tips from DPS for a safe holiday weekend:

• Slow down, especially if weather and road conditions do not allow for the designated speed
• Secure everyone in the vehicle properly, either with a safety belt or in the appropriate car seat or booster
• Save phone calls for home or find a safe place to pull over to make your calls
• Make sure you have enough gas in the fuel tank to make it to your destination
• Drive with courtesy and do not participate in road rage behavior
• Make sure tires are properly inflated and fluids are at the appropriate levels
• Check fan belts for excessive wear